Computers and office automation industries

CD-ROM titles: fast growth but tight margins in '95

Article Abstract:

CD-ROM retail sales grew between 85% and 351% in 1995, but increased production costs, problems in the multimedia business and keen competition for shelf-space are making publishers nervous regarding future prospects. Publishers are dealing with the complex CD-ROM market in various ways, including slowing down the introduction of new titles, finding secondary retail sales outlets and merging to prevent revenues from being spread too thin. Games and entertainment contributed chiefly to the increased sales, while sales of adult reference titles are slowing. There were no major hits in the conventional adult market in 1995, with aging titles like Myst and Print Shop Deluxe occupying the second and third spots, respectively, on the best-seller list. Yet, in 1995, 70% of home PCs had CD-ROM drives, and PCs purchased with CD-ROM drives increased from 55% to 83% from 1994 to 1995, even though the PC installed base grew from only 32.6% to 34%.

Java applet builders kiss code good-bye

Article Abstract:

Interactive Media's $99 ActionLine 1.1, Aimtech's $295 Jamba for Windows 1.1 and Kinetix' Hyperwire 1.1 beta allow users to develop Java applets without writing any lines of code. Aimtech Jamba 1.1 includes every tool the developer needs to create most applets. The software has many interface object types, customization options and solid project managment features. Jamba is the easiest to use of the three programs, but has no visual wiring interface to display object relationships. ActionLine 1.1 is the only software for the Macintosh currently available to visually build Java applets. The tool is fairly effective at creating simple applets and very good at creating cross-platform multimedia presentations. Hyperwire 1.1 is a combination Java applet creator and VRML world-building environment. The software is adept at tightly integrating 2D and 3D elements into a single applet.

Keeping up with the Disney machine

Article Abstract:

Publishers of children's educational software are facing a tough market due to the dominance of Disney, even though the home education software market grew by 43% between 1995 and 1996. Market analysis from Dec 1996 reveals that three of the top five highest-selling education applications in both the Mac and PC markets were made by Disney. Observers have predicted for some time that Disney would dominate the children's software business. It makes sense to some because consumers want to stick with known quantities. Disney Interactive's success marketing strategy involves releasing an activity and a storybook title based on every popular Disney animated movie. Now, Disney is introducing a new Power Play line of action games for older children, and it also is expanding into education and creativity niches.